Is it Possible for Your Pacemaker to Be Hacked?
Many people don’t realize how complex — and vulnerable — a pacemaker can be. Remote hacking is a real threat to those who use one.
The ability to hack any form of technology is a scary thought, but the possibility of a machine within a human body being tampered with is a much more serious problem. The magnetic properties of pacemakers already require that patients exercise caution around big machines, but nobody is immune to the technological takeover that can happen within their own bodies.
In 2016, studies were conducted on the notion that pacemakers, which are small devices that assist regular heart rhythms, can be infiltrated. The FDA has since created guidelines and restrictions regarding the security measures of the device. Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to ensure that the pacemakers remain safe, and that patients using them can get vital information on their security. Relatives and friends of pacemaker users can benefit from these tips as well, by increasing their awareness of problem signs.
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See a Doctor Regularly
If you or a loved one has a pacemaker, make sure that you visit a physician regularly. Getting regular checkups to ensure that the pacemaker is functioning properly can be a lifesaving move. Doing so is a responsible action that can benefit overall health, not just the status of a pacemaker. Because infections and uncomfortable shifts of the device within the body are also possible concerns for patients wearing pacemakers, a three-to-six month checkup interval is recommended.
Look for Warning Signs
Since the heart is a major organ, any glitch in a pacemaker’s programming can become a life-threatening situation. Check tech for signs of infiltration, such as lag times and apps shutting down unexpectedly. Vulnerabilities in hospital technology can pose a serious threat to users of wireless devices like defibrillators and insulin pumps, as well as pacemakers. It’s important to move to a secure area at any sign of abnormality to prevent any further possibility of someone hacking into mobile devices or pacemakers.
Those who know someone with a pacemaker should pay attention to the patient’s behavior and mannerisms. If any health-related function seems awry, take immediate action. For patients seeking new pacemakers, ensure that the manufacturer is an insured, reputable company with a solid reputation for creating dependable devices.